In what has to be the most nail-biting finale of any Tropika Island of Treasure to date, Brendan Peyper and Lisanne Lazarus (#TeamRed) came out victorious in the final challenge, making them the winners of #TIOT8 and that coveted R1 million prize! In last night’s final episode of the series, #TeamRed fought hard to beat Nay Maps and Rudi Witkowsky (#TeamYellow) for the title of #TIOT8 champions.

Following a series of Slenda Twists throughout #TIOT8, 22-year-old Lazarus was chosen by 21-year-old Peyper to be his teammate on #TeamRed. It became evident by most celebs and contestants very early on in the season that #TeamRed would be a team to watch out for, with many teams noting them as their biggest threat to the R1 million. And they were right.

Lazarus and Peyper proved to be a force to be reckoned with, and no one is more thrilled with the outcome than Lazarus. “When I found out I was going to be on the show, I obviously wanted to win but I didn’t expect it – only because I didn’t know who my competition would be and I didn’t know at the time who I’d be paired up with. In all honesty, I was just excited to go to the Maldives. After being paired with Brendan and looking at the other teams’ weightings, I felt very confident because I knew Brendan and I would complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well,” says Lazarus.

Peyper is just as grateful for the team mate he found in Lazarus. “I truly had an incredible partner. We remained calm even though things sometimes went south, and we ensured that we kept the faith with God on our side – this was the most important aspect for us.”
Peyper notes that he never expected to win, but that he always had a vison with what he’d do with the money. “I told myself that if it’s God’s will for me to win I’d never waste the money, but invest where it is needed. When it came to challenges, I always went in feeling confident because from the start I told myself to just enjoy the amazing experience, and even though you didn’t win anything through the initial stages of the competition, it was about how you recover after you gave your best and still lost. It was important going into each challenge learning from your mistakes from past challenges”. And that approach certainly paid off for #TeamRed.

Miantha Padayachee, Marketing Manager for Tropika, notes that each season of Tropika Island of Treasure is more exciting and surprising than the last, and #TIOT8 was no different. “The celebrities and contestants who made up season 8 were an incredible group – so many different personalities, passions, physical strengths and personal ambitions. It was beautiful to see their personalities coming to the fore throughout the season, and more so, to see just how tight-knit a family they all became – even after returning from the island. I think viewers of #TIOT8 will agree that this season proved to be the most exciting with the amount of Slenda Twists that were thrown into the mix. No matter how physically prepared you may be; no matter great at equations you are; when a Slenda Twist is thrown into the mix – all rules and preconceived notions go out the window. #TeamRed fought hard throughout season 8 and are very deserving of that R1 million!” says Padayachee.

Lazarus, who is graduating with a Cum Laude and Deans Merit in Broadcast Journalism and is currently the Digital Producer for East Coast Radio’s breakfast show, will use the majority of her share of the prize money to invest in property – and treat herself to a shopping spree.

Peyper, who was recently revealed as the lead to portray Buddy in the brand-new musical, BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story, will use his share of the prize money to purchase his first farm/property.

Tropika Island of Treasure season 8 was produced by Cardova Productions and was set in the Maldives. The Adaaran resorts and villas in the Maldives served as home for the celebs and contestants, and provided a spectacular setting for the 8th season of the hit show.

Katlego Maboe was the ever charismatic and entertaining host for #TIOT8.
“Being the host of the smooothest show on TV has been an incredibly thrilling ride and one that came with the most unexpected Slenda Twists! Throughout the season, the phrase ‘team-work makes the dream work!’ proved true as the most unlikely teams turned out top performances to topple the leaders at the time. From the beginning it was anyone’s game, and right to the end – it really was anyone’s million to claim. I’m proud of my #TIOT8 team and the entertaining show we were able to produce and I truly hope South Africa enjoyed every moment,” Maboe notes.

The theme song for #TIOT8 was ‘Smoooth Fame’ –which is available for download from iTunes. The song, written by Katlego Maboe and producer Ross Finck, is all about becoming a star while going beyond challenges and taking necessary, yet calculated risks, to reach those goals – a message inspired by the TV show. The song has a strong tropical influence blended with subtle pop and hip-hop elements which made it the perfect theme song for this season.

South Africans who are keen to get a taste of the new season can download ‘Smoooth Fame’ – the theme song for #TIOT8 – from iTunes. The song, written by Katlego and producer Ross Finck, is all about becoming a star while going beyond challenges and taking necessary, yet calculated risks, to reach those goals – a message inspired by the TV show. The song has a strong tropical influence blended with subtle pop and hip-hop elements which makes it the perfect theme song for this season.

About SABC 3The repositioned SABC 3 brand brings you “The Stage is Yours”, for the quintessential viewer that is unapologetically South African in pride and in behaviour but holds a global view, the unboxed. We are the channel that shines a spotlight on our aspirations and represents the progressive spirit of our nation. We have local content that is relevant, cutting edge, compelling and speaks to our South Africanisms. We aim to showcase our multicultural energy and the collective possibility that allows our viewers to make life affirming -decisions that will define the future of generations to come.

Katlego Maboe

Katlego Maboe is probably best known as a host of the SABC3 show, Expresso. He also hosted two seasons of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and 2015, and has been awarded the title of Presenter of the Year at the 2015 & 2016 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). Year-on-year, Katlego has grown into a well-known TV presenter, singer, voice-over artist, MC, model and actor.

His charismatic nature has gained him many fans, and his inquisitive nature and zest for life (and travel) will stand him in good stead as he takes the reins and hosts #TIOT8. In addition to hosting the show, Katlego will also be performing the theme tune for #TIOT8 which will be launched to Tropika fans, soon.

Khanya Mkangisa

Khanya Mkangisa is a South African TV presenter and actress best known for her role as Aphiwe on Isidingo. Having started her television career at the tender age of 15 as a child star on YOTV, she has gone on to bag coveted roles as a lead actress on productions such as Intersexions and Rockville. Khanya currently presents a lifestyle show, Selimathunzi, which boasts over 3 million viewers

Sbahle Mpisane

Sbahle Mpisane, also commonly known to many as “FitnessBunnie,” is a wellness and fitness motivator who was born and raised in Durban, South Africa. Her love for exercise led her to share her journey in the hopes of motivating and inspiring others to adopt a healthier lifestyle beyond the goal of losing weight. Her persistent discipline has been her driving force to dominate the fitness industry, and many describe Sbahle as an ambassador for African curvaceous women.

Karabo Mogane

Karabo Mogane is a gifted singer who went on to be crowned winner of Idols season 11. In addition to attracting the attention of fans across South Africa, he has impressed multi-award winning American RnB gospel singer, Bebe Winans, who has promised to collaborate with him on his next show in South Africa. To top it off, Karabo has signed a deal with Disney Africa to record a theme song for their series The Lion Guard, which is airing on DStv channel 309 weekly, becoming the 1st African to be offered such a deal.

Tumi Voster

Tumi Voster is a multi-dimensional powerhouse and easily one of South Africa’s most cherished media darlings. She warmed her way into millions of hearts and homes across South Africa when she made her TV debut as a YOTV presenter on SABC 1, at the age of 15. She is armed with a Marketing Communications Degree, so when she is not found in the boardroom as a marketing manager, she’s holding down the radio fort at 5FM where she hosts two shows of her own – “5FM Nights” (weekdays 7-10pm) and “The Saturday Situation” (weekends 5-7pm).

Brendan Peyper

Starting from humble beginnings and then going on to become one of the biggest brands in the South African music scene, multi-talented heartthrob, Brendan Peyper, is a true inspiration to many South African youth. Not only is he an incredibly talented musician and songwriter, but he is also a dedicated sports fanatic – promoting a healthy and active lifestyle with his #noexcuses campaign. Brendan touches people with his music, but also inspires people to reach for their dreams and to go for GOLD!

Nay Maps

Nay Maps is a force and brand to be reckoned with. Probably best known for his role as Mxolisi Xulu on Uzalo on SABC 1, he has a long history behind him. He started off modelling and appearing in TV commercials, and was a TV presenter for a show called Hashtag on ANN7 channel 405. Through his company Map Worx, Nay travels around the country motivating and inspiring the youth and people of all demographics to realise their true potential and what they can achieve in life.

Melinda Bam

Melinda Bam is a South African director, model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss South Africa 2011, becoming the official representative of her country to Miss Universe 2012. She has a swimwear line called Bambshell, for which she worked with South African swimwear brand Dax Martin. In June 2013 it was announced that Melinda was appointed as National Executive for the Miss South Africa Pageant and would be in charge of arranging potential sponsors for the pageant, as well as preparing the outgoing queen to both the Miss World and Miss Universe Pageants.

Mpande Buthelezi

21 year old Mpande Buthelezi from Benoni is a student at Varsity College and owns a small production company. He has a passion for acting and loves working with people. He comes from a big family (he has 18 siblings!) and if he wins TIOT8 he will do something really special for his family with the prize money.

Lisanne Lazarus

21 year old Lisanne Lazarus from Amanzimtoti is a final year broadcast major and a marketing co-ordinator. She used to play golf for KZN, and is the former Miss Mamelodi Sundowns KZN; Miss eThekwini 2014; Miss dut 2015; and Miss SA Campus first princess 2016. If she wins TIOT8, she will invest in an apartment and use part of the prize money to travel.

Lihle Ngubo

20 year old Lihle Ngubo from Pietermaritzburg is a drama student with a passion for acting and dancing. She is also a part-time model, and will soon start training young children from the age of five years old how to swim. She is also passionate about young people and one day hopes to start a production company and a bursary foundation for students wanting to study in the arts and performance field. If she wins TIOT8, she’ll use her prize money to pay off her school fees, help her mother out, and invest the rest.

Nondu Mabizela

23 year old Nondu Mabizela is a medical student from Johannesburg with a passion for drawing and running. If she wins TIOT8, she will use the prize money to pay off her studies, do something special for her parents, buy a car, and do some shopping.

Rudi Witkowsky

27 year old Rudi Witkowsky from Cape Town is a Chartered Accountant, CA (SA); fitness instructor; model and actor. He has a passion for surfing and fitness. If he wins TIOT8 he will invest a portion of the prize money, take a well-deserved holiday, and send his parents on a vacation to Zanzibar as they deserve it the most after what they have done for Rudi.

Kelly Gunnell

23 year old Kelly Gunnell from Johannesburg was an avid swimmer (and has represented South Africa internationally numerous times) and has just finished her Honours in Sports Science at the University of Pretoria. If she wins TIOT8 she will use the prize money to elevate her passion for health and fitness by starting up a business to aid people of all walks of life to implement a healthy lifestyle that actually fits into their lives.

Mark-Anthony Bingham

28 year old Mark-Anthony Bingham from Johannesburg is the PA to a financial advisor. He has a passion for Latin, ballroom, salsa and hip-hop dancing, and also teaches salsa dancing. If he wins TIOT8 he will use the prize money to surprise and spoil his mom, and will start an art project in his community of Westbury